Rules governing the use of a shot clock for high school basketball in California are the same rules that govern the shot clock in NCAA.

The shot-clock periods are:

30 seconds for girls.

35 seconds for boys.

The following is guidance for high school officials to correctly manage and interpret the shot-clock rules.

Violation Occurs

The team in control shall attempt a try for field goal within the allotted shot-clock time.

The try shall leave the player’s hand before the expiration of the allotted shot-clock time. Following the release, the try subsequently shall strike the basket ring or enter the basket before or after the expiration of the allotted shot-clock time.

Penalty

The ball becomes dead when the violation occurs. The ball is awarded to the opponent for a throw-in at the out-of-bounds spot nearest the violation.

Shot-Clock Operator

The shot-clock operator shall control a separate timing device with a horn that shall have a sound distinct and different from that of the game clock.

The shot clock is used for the entire game, including overtime periods.

An alternate timing device shall be available.

Starting the
Shot Clock

When stopped the shot clock will be started when:

An inbounds player touches the ball following a throw-in.

A team first gains possession of the ball following a:

Jump ball.

Rebound on a try that hits the rim.

Loose ball.

Stopping and Continuing Time

The shot clock will be stopped and the offensive team shall have the unexpired time remaining on the shot clock to attempt a shot when play continues:

Following a time-out.

Following a deflection out-of-bounds by a defensive player.

Following an official’s time-out for an injured player.

Following an official’s time-out for a player who loses a contact lens or glasses.

Following a held ball and the offensive team retains possession of the ball by the AP arrow procedure.

Resetting the Shot Clock

The shot clock will be reset when:

Team control is established after the opponents lose possession of the ball.

The mere touching of the ball by an opponent does not reset the shot clock if the same team remains in control of the ball.

(4) If you are not sure - do not reset the shot clock.
(5) Starting the shot clock:

Throw-ins: When the ball is touched on the court.

Free throws and Jump Ball: When a team gains control.

California High School Modifications

Introduction

Three rule modifications are used from the National Federation rulebook for high school basketball in the state of California. They are:

“Closely guarded player” rules.

No 10-second count applied to cross the division line.

Mercy Rule.

Closely Guarded Rules for Girls

In a Girls' game, a player shall not while closely guarded anywhere on the entire court:

Hold the ball without dribbling for 5 seconds.

Control, hold or dribble, the ball for 5 seconds in an area enclosed by screening teammates.

Division Line and Backcourt

There is a division line.

The following rule is not in effect for Girls’ games:

10-second backcourt count.

The following rules are in effect for Girls’ games:

Over-and-back.

Frontcourt and backcourt definitions.

Mercy Rule

When at the conclusion of the third quarter, or any point thereafter, if there is a point differential of forty (40) or more points, a running clock shall be instituted for the remainder of the game, regardless of the score.